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Who is a dentist?

A dentist is a healthcare professional with expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral health conditions. Their work includes caring for and managing the teeth, gums, palate, salivary glands, and other oral organs. Dentists may work in private practices, clinics, or hospitals. 

Although dentists primarily focus on oral ailments, their role in healthcare goes far beyond that. They play a vital role in overall public health as well. They are the first line of defense against oral diseases, which can lead to serious systemic health problems if left unchecked. Moreover, dentists can also help detect other general health conditions, such as diabetes and cancer, which may first manifest in the oral cavity. In such cases, they provide early interventions to avoid complications. 

Dentists also educate and counsel patients on maintaining good oral hygiene, which prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications. So, next time you visit your dentist, remember that you are maintaining your oral and overall health. 

Education and training of a dental practitioner in the US 

Before enrolling in dental school, aspirants must complete their bachelor's degree, which takes about four years. However, many dental schools do not require a pre-dental major and accept students with physics, chemistry, and biology degrees. Students also must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to demonstrate their academic ability and knowledge. Once they clear the DAT, they can enroll in a dental school. 

General dentistry is a four-year course that students must complete to earn their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. During the initial two years of the course, students work in a lab and classroom, concentrating on periodontics, orthodontics, pathology, etc. In the last two years of the study, students undergo hands-on clinical training, identifying dental problems and treating and medicating patients. In this training phase, experienced doctors supervise students.

Once dentists graduate, they must take the National Board Dental Examination test to become board-certified. The test involves dental sciences, clinical procedures, and ethics. In addition to being board-certified, a candidate must pass the practical examination conducted by their state's licensing board before beginning to practice.  

Specialties in dentistry 

Many dentists further study and take up a dental residency in a specialty of their choice. Dental residencies take anywhere between 3-7 years to complete. The specialties a dentist can take up are as follows: 

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: This is a 54-month training program that deals with the surgical treatment of disease and mouth injuries. This includes the management of cleft lip, palate, abscesses, thyroglossal cysts, etc.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology: This field involves the study of scans and images to diagnose oral disorders and pathologies. It includes MRIs, X-rays, and other imaging techniques. This course takes about 30 months to complete.
• Periodontics: The treatment of various diseases of the gum tissues and bone supporting the teeth is termed periodontics. This course takes around 35 months to complete.
• Pediatric dentistry: This branch takes about 25 months to complete and involves caring for children's oral health and hygiene, starting with infants up to adolescents and young adults under 21. 
• Prosthodontics: This dental specialty comprises replacing or restoring natural teeth and oral structures using artificial prosthetics. Mastering this specialty takes around 32 months.
• Orthodontics: This popular branch of dentistry corrects facial and dental irregularities. Doctors must train for about 30 months in this field.
• Endodontics: Endodontists specialize in the dental pulp and related issues. They perform root canals and other tooth-saving procedures. Training in this specialty requires roughly 26 months. 

Understanding the differences between dentists and orthodontists

Dentists and orthodontists both specialize in oral healthcare, but their focus and training differ. While dentists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions related to the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth, orthodontists receive additional training to address misalignment issues of the teeth and jaw.

Role of a dentist

Dentists are medical professionals who specialize in maintaining oral health. Once certified, they provide various treatments and services, including:

• Conducting and analyzing dental X-rays.
• Filling cavities and repairing damaged teeth.
• Extracting teeth when necessary.
• Managing gum disease and other oral health conditions.
• Prescribing medications for oral infections.
• Whitening teeth and applying crowns or veneers.
• Performing oral surgeries.

Role of an orthodontist

Orthodontists are dental specialists focusing on tooth and jaw alignment. While they are trained in general dentistry, they undergo additional education to specialize in correcting bite issues and misaligned teeth. Their work includes:

• Monitoring facial and jaw development in children.
• Diagnosing and treating malocclusion (misaligned teeth and jaws).
• Designing treatment plans involving braces, retainers, and other corrective devices.
• Performing teeth-straightening procedures.
• Installing dental appliances like braces and expanders.

Should you see a dentist or an orthodontist? 

For general dental concerns such as toothaches, cavities, or gum disease, visiting a dentist is the best choice. However, if you need braces, have jaw misalignment, or require specialized orthodontic care, seeking the expert care of an orthodontist may be necessary. Children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven to determine if they need braces. Some insurance plans require a dentist’s referral before covering orthodontic treatment.

By understanding these differences, you can determine the right dental professional for your needs.

Common conditions treated by dentists

Some of the common conditions treated by dentists are as follows:

• Gum disease: This condition primarily stems from infections and inflammation in the gums and the bone that encases and sustains the teeth. Some chronic illnesses, including diabetes, compromised immune systems, poor oral hygiene, tobacco usage, and genetic predisposition, heighten the likelihood of periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two common gum diseases. Gingivitis manifests as swollen, inflamed, and prone to bleeding. In periodontitis, the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth deteriorate, often resulting in tooth loss.
• Cavities or tooth decay: Cavities develop due to the accumulation of a bacteria known as plaque on your teeth, gradually deteriorating the tough outer layer referred to as enamel. If left untreated, tooth decay can escalate into a gum abscess, a severe infection beneath the gums that might disseminate to other body parts. It could culminate in severe consequences and, in rare instances, even fatal outcomes. Dentists identify tooth decay through X-rays and dental instrument examinations to detect soft spots in teeth.
• Oral cancer: Oral cancer is becoming an increasingly prevalent dental concern. It encompasses cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, tongue, lips, and even the salivary glands. While its causes are multifaceted, early detection and awareness can significantly improve treatment outcomes and the survival rate. Avoiding risky behaviors like smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, excessive alcohol consumption, and using smokeless tobacco is essential for preventing oral cancers.
• Bad breath: Unpleasant breath, known as halitosis in medical terms, can stem from inadequate dental hygiene practices and might indicate underlying health issues. Additionally, certain foods and unhealthy lifestyle habits can worsen bad breath.
• Cosmetic issues: You can visit a dentist for cosmetic dental concerns, such as discolored, misaligned, decayed, damaged, or absent teeth.
• Dental emergencies: It is imperative to seek professional dental care promptly in dental emergencies. These include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, cracked or broken teeth, excessive bleeding from the mouth, injuries to the jaw, and infections causing swelling or pain. Consulting the best dentist is crucial in dealing with such dental emergencies.

How often should you visit a dentist? 

Regularly visiting a dentist near you is vital to maintaining good oral health. However, the frequency of your visit depends on various factors, including age, oral health history, and current oral health status. If you are an adult with no history of dental problems, you should visit a dentist once a year for routine checkups and cleaning. If you have existing dental concerns or are at increased risk for cavities due to certain medical conditions, you may need to visit the dentist more frequently. Your specialist can help you determine how often you must see them based on your needs. If you need specialist care, your dentist can refer you to one.

4 FAQs on preparing for dental appointments

The thought of visiting a dentist, whether for a first or a follow-up appointment, is almost always nerve-wracking. However, preparing beforehand can help you manage your dental anxiety and walk into the dentist's office more confidently! The following guide can help you: 

What are some do's and don'ts before visiting your dentist?

Remember to follow specific rules before every dental appointment to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience. 

Do's before your dental appointment: 

• Brush your teeth, floss in between your teeth, scrape the tongue, and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• Take a walk, listen to music, practice deep breathing, or do anything else that helps you relax.
• Gather all necessary documents and information your dentist would need.

Don'ts before your dental appointment: 

• Eat sticky foods like toffee and popcorn, strong-smelling foods like garlic and fish, and caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drinks.
• Smoke or drink alcohol.
• Take painkillers.

What should you carry to your dental appointments?

Remember to bring your dental insurance card, medical records, medications, supplements, family history, and oral appliances to your consultation. 

What should you wear to dental appointments?

As you may have to lie in the dentist's chair for prolonged periods, ensure you dress in loose, comfortable clothes. Additionally, don't wear makeup that can transfer onto the dentist's gloves and tools during treatment, leading to a messy and risky situation. 

What can you ask your dentist?

Whether you need clarification on your treatment plan, oral regimen, or preventative dental care, your dentist can provide you with tailored solutions! Consider asking the following questions to your dentist during your next visit: 

• How can I safely whiten my teeth without causing damage to them?
• What is the best type of toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash?
• How many times should I see you in a year?
• Should I make any changes to my diet?
• What else can I do to prevent oral conditions? 

Finding the best dentists near you in Hicksville, New York 

The best place to find qualified dentists in Hicksville, New York, is Zocdoc. This platform lets you locate the best dentists near you according to your preferred time and date, distance, severity of the issue, medical insurance plan, and zip code. Once you specify all the details, Zocdoc begins searching and listing the best providers to treat and meet your medical needs.  

If you don't have a dental plan or don't wish to use it to book your appointments, you can acknowledge that you're paying out-of-pocket by selecting the option "I'm paying for myself." You will receive a list of dentists accepting new patients without asking for insurance information. If you run into any issues during the process of booking an appointment, you can reach out to the Zocdoc service team. Do you have any more related queries? Feel free to check out the insurance FAQs on the Zocdoc patient help center page.

Each dentist on Zocdoc has a profile that includes all their information, like degrees and certifications. Profiles also include detailed information about each doctor's years of expertise, training, technical knowledge, language, availability, etc. Zocdoc is a user-friendly service that makes booking appointments easy for everyone. You can schedule online appointments with the best dentists near you using Zocdoc or meet them in person. 

All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and 100% free! 

Statistics about dentists in Hicksville, New York 

The city of Hicksville is in Nassau County, New York. According to official news from the NYS Dentistry, around 2,114 dentists were practicing in Nassau County in January 2022. In addition, there were approximately 939 dental hygienists and 28 registered dental assistants. Nearly 49,700 Americans are diagnosed with preventable cancer that affects the pharynx or the oral cavity. Out of 49,700 Americans, around 195 of them belong to New York. Early cancer detection through regular screenings is only possible through regular checkups with a qualified dentist.

Sources

America's Health Rankings

World Health Organization

New York State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nassau County Dental Society

PubMedCentral

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Verywell Health

Southside Medical Center

New Ivory Dental & Implant Clinic

Gentle Smiles of Colorado

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.